'Tis the first week of school; the sweet smell of academia is perfuming the air, and the last remnants of summer are almost behind us. Most of us have perfected the art of dressing for class. You've become a Kung fu master at "the five-minute dash," pouncing out of bed like a ninja and slipping stealthily from your pajamas into your look for the day. But how does the karate kid decide what to wear to school?

A few things to consider, grasshopper, when preparing for class:

1. I understand we are all broke and living off ramen noodles, the diet of poor champions and fashionistas alike.

Lucky for you, Bowling Green is a spendthrift’s dream! There’s a consignment shop on every corner; your closet has the potential to range from preppy to punk without making you cry when you open your wallet. Be open-minded to the beautiful world of recycled clothes. You can be the best-dressed kid on campus and still have enough cash to eat another meal.

2. Don’t just take! Give back to consignment and thrift stores by going through your closet and getting rid of pieces you haven't worn since middle school. I promise you, you don't need them anymore. Don't be afraid to downsize: sometimes less is better. Plus, you may even get a little extra cash in your hand while you’re at it.

3. Consider buying basics. Take notes from sensei James Dean, the king of the basic. If you have a white tee and a pair of jeans, you're probably going to be set for life. Once you have these essential pieces (classic blacks and whites, button-downs, denim jeans, a chunky sweater) you can then add accessories, layer your favorite leather jacket, etc. If you start with traditional separates that you can mix and match, you will be able to create a variety of different looks without forcing yourself to buy a whole new wardrobe.

4. Don't be afraid of the numbers. One thing that folks usually get hung up on when shopping is size. If it fits, it fits. Don't squeeze yourself into a size two just because you can; wear the size that will flatter your shape and be comfortable. Wear clothing that allows you to—oh, I don't know—breathe. Your clothes should not strangle or swallow you. You're looking for the fit that is just right.

At the end of the day, dress to make yourself happy. Does it matter if I like what you wear? No. What matters is that you leave your room feeling confident. Dressing for school is about figuring out what works for you. Find your own look, grasshopper. You get a black belt from me.

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